What does the Medicare Participating Physician Program enable providers to do?

The Medicare Participating Physician Program allows providers to accept assignment of benefits, meaning they agree to accept Medicare-approved amounts as full payment for their services. This commitment helps ensure that patients are not charged more than the set Medicare rates, thereby making care more affordable for those covered under the program. By accepting assignment, physicians also have the advantage of receiving payment directly from Medicare rather than having to bill the patient. This participation enhances the financial predictability for both providers and patients and promotes greater access to necessary medical services.

Other options do not align with the primary goals of the Medicare Participating Physician Program. For instance, providers cannot use this program to increase their billing rates since those are pre-determined by Medicare. Additionally, the program does not allow providers to refuse Medicare patients, as it is designed to enhance access to care for Medicare beneficiaries. Providing free services to low-income patients is a separate consideration and not a feature of the Medicare Participating Physician Program.